1997 Nissan Pathfinder Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 7%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,420miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, 7% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,420 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The gas pedal stuck and the vehicle lunged forward. This occurred on 2 separate occasions. The first time upon acceleration from a complete stop, and the second time when the vehicle was put in reverse. This resulted in the vehicle hitting a tree. The vehicle sustained rear end damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10064621, filed 2004-04, 42,840 miles“While driving 35 MPH, another vehicle suddenly stopped in front of the consumer's vehicle which caused the consumer to veer off the road and hit a curb. The vehicle's axle broke and was towed to the dealership for analysis. The brake system resulted in a complete lost of control of the vehicle. The vehicle pulled to the right, the accelerator pedal would stick, there was a rattling/buzzing sound upon acceleration, the brakes slipped, and the accelerator did not respond at times. Prior to the incident the struts leaked and the left front stabilizer bar was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10044690, filed 2003-12, 90,000 miles“I'm just wondering if many people have had this part brake. Nissan is offering to pay for 50% of the repair, but it sounds like this might be a big problem for them so I want to find out if this is going to become a recall item. They already have a notice out on the problem. The throttle sticks and could be very dangerous so we are not driving the car till this becomes resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #749261, filed 2001-07“The vehicle swings left to right when cruising at about any speed. When the vehicle is pulling it does not swing or sway, however once the vehicle has got up to a desired speed and you try to maintain a steady speed it starts a “death wobble” which nearly cannot hold it on correct side of the road. You have to increase speed or reduce speed dramatically to regain control of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11441345, filed 2021-11“The struts went at 52,000 miles $800 to replace, exhaust manifold needs to be replaced(warranty). Today the news that the speedometer was just worn out $235, the rear suspension lincs were worn out $350, the intake pinium(sp?) was leaking $660. Something has to be done about Nissan and their worn out vehicles. It's not even paid for yet!”
NHTSA complaint #743265, filed 2001-03Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 5 | 9% |
| 2024 | 8 | 9% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 6% |
| 2020 | 2 | 4% |
| 2019 | 5 | 7% |
| 2018 | 9 | 12% |
| 2017 | 5 | 3% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 27 | 8% |
| 2014 | 26 | 5% |
| 2013 | 47 | 5% |
| 2010 | 4 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 10 | 3% |
| 2007 | 24 | 4% |
| 2006 | 16 | 2% |
| 2005 | 31 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 11 | 7% |
| 2001 | 11 | 5% |
| 2000 | 9 | 8% |
| 1999 | 3 | 3% |
| 1998 | 16 | 11% |
| 1997 | 16 | 7% |
| 1996 | 5 | 3% |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% |
| 1994 | 7 | 8% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 3 | 20% |
| 1987 | 3 | 16% |
Other parts of the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
105 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology